Novice Need Help

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am currently in the process of planning my first layout. I have purchased some books and have been doing some generic reading. I do need some assistance with answering a few basic questions though:

  1. I have decided to use Atlas code 83 track. For some pieces (bridges) I will need to use code 100 - is it going to be a problem to switch back and forth?

  2. I plan on using under the table switch machines. Does this mean that you purchase manual switches?

  3. Where can I find a good (detailed) article about track soldering?

  4. Any idea where I might get a good “on line” history of the Pennsylvania RR?

I would really appreciate any assistance that you might give in providing input on these matter.

Thanks,

Mike

2

  1. Not if you solder well. What you want to do is
    solder the code 83 rail to the top of a code 100 rail joiner. try and plan it so that the inside of the rails line up. If you miss a bit, just clean it up with a small mill file.

  2. Yes, then the machine of choice.

  3. you might check the magazine index on this web page. Howevever it’s not Brain surgery. Basically assemle the track, place some moist paper towels
    over the ties near the join and apply a hot 75 watt+ soldering iron to the joint. Count to 10 and take your rosin core solder and touch the rail just above the rail jiont. When the rail gets hot enough to melt the solder the solder will be drawn into the joint. Cool with a wet finger and do the other side.

  4. That’s a lot history for a web site but try the historical societys listed on this web page.

I hope I have helped.

3

For a great deal of information on the Pennsylvania Railroad, go to http://kc.pennsyrr.com This is Jerry Britton’s Keystone Crossings website with links to all the other PRR websites he has found.